HELP: First attempt at Turbo Cider

drummermandan02 · 05-29-2008, 08:59 AM

First I would like to say hi, I am new to this forum and hope to enjoy my stay!

Ok, I am going to make some Turbo Cider 2nite but have some questions first.
I made some cider using the Youngs cider kit and that involved me adding loads of water cant remember the exact amount to the apple concentrate. Do I need to do that with my Turbo Cider?

I am using a 25-litre fermenting bucket, so how much apple juice (what sort do I need to get), water (if any?!?), yeast and sugar do I need to add. Does regular sugar effect it in any big way or do I have to use brewing sugar?
Regarding ABV% I would like it to be around 8%. So what would the OG roughly need to be?

Also a question about fermentation. In the primary stage should I expect my cider to become clear as an indication to the end of fermentation? What are the physical signs that it has stopped. I know I can use the hydrometer to get readings and when thy level out I know it has stopped.

Thanks for the help!

**Yooper** · 05-29-2008, 11:19 AM

A good way to make cider is to take the SG of the pure juice first. Juice has some natual sugar in it. You want an SG of around 1.060 if you want 8% ABV. You can use an online calculator to find out how much sugar to add to bring your SG to 1.060 or so. Or, we can help you with that. Regular sugar is ok, or dextrose (corn sugar) is fine.

Don't add water. Just use juice. Now, if you're buying the frozen concentrated juice, of course you add water to make the juice. But don't add any additional water. Check the label and make sure there is no sorbate listed in the ingredients- that's a preservative.

For the amount of juice you need, you buy the amount of juice you'll be using. If you're making one gallon, buy a gallon of juice.

The signs of fermentation stopping include a stable SG reading. Depending on the yeast you use, it can finish at .990 to .998 or so. It will clear a bit after fermentation has finished. That's when the yeast will finally drop out.

drummermandan02 · 05-29-2008, 12:00 PM

Is there a link to a site where I can work out how much sugar I need to add? I think that is going to be the hardest bit of this whole process!

Regarding the apple juice I buy, can I get anything from a shop as long as it has not preservatives in it? Anything else to look out for?

Thanks for you help buddy!

**Yooper** · 05-29-2008, 12:11 PM

I use winecalc: http://www.geocities.com/mipeman/winecalc.html

You can type in the SG you have and the desired SG, and it'll give you the amount of sugar (in pounds or KGs) that you need. I use it fairly often. I always use less sugar at first, just in case. I figure you can always add more, but can't take it out once it's in there!

You can use any juice you'd like as long as there are no preservatives. One other thing- if you use fresh (unpasteurized) cider or juice, you will need campden tablets (one per gallon) to kill any wild yeasts or bacteria. Storebought juice doesn't need this.

drummermandan02 · 05-29-2008, 02:59 PM

Thx 'Yooper'!